StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Kingdon Timber Mart, Grady's Shoes & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Starting in Lakefield in 1927, 94 years in the same location, Kingdon Timber Mart recently expanded to an amazing new building and lumber yard at the corner of the Buckhorn Road and the 8th line, just West of Lakefield. Owners Don and Kevin Dyck and Dave Breukelaar recently opened the new location to the public with all of the proper safety protocols in place.

Kingdon Truss and the Lansdowne Street location continue operations. Congratulations to everyone on the amazing growth of the Kingdon business. 

New Lakefield location

Farmcrest Marketplace and Event Centre is opening their outdoor summer season at the Trentwinds Convention Centre on Lansdowne Street East. Operating from 8 am to 1 pm, The Farmcrest Marketplace Team have been working closely with the Peterborough Health Unit and are operating in a manner that promotes public health and safety during Covid-19. You’ll find vegetables and fruits in season, fresh eggs, goat cheeses and soaps, bedding and vegetable plants, potted flowers, homemade jams, jellies and preserves, perogies, cabbage rolls and much more! Check it out this Saturday: Farmcrest Marketplace at the Trentwinds, Lansdowne Street just East of Ashburnham.

I missed them when they opened, so let’s congratulate Denise and Keith Rye (pictured below) on their one year anniversary as owners of the Jani-King franchise in Peterborough! Jani-King is a recognized leader in commercial building cleaning, providing disinfecting services in addition to general cleaning of commercial and industrial building spaces. Long-time residents of the Peterborough area, Denise and Keith are excited to be growing their business locally. You can reach them at 705-930-7577.

Like so many local businesses, Grady’s Shoes recently pivoted to offer Curbside Pickup at 231 King St., Peterborough (corner of King & Aylmer) and FREE Local Delivery. Go to Gradys.ca for details, but let’s all remember that Grady’s is just one example of hundreds of local businesses who are doing their best to survive, to reopen, and to do so with the safety of you and their employees as their first priority. The story of the resilience of the local Peterborough business community has yet to be written, but meanwhile let’s salute our local businesses. #lovelocalptbo

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Comfort Keepers, Community Futures Peterborough, covAID & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

If your business requires the screening of customers coming through the doors, Comfort Keepers is now offering the service. Owner Alyssa Rowe has trained caregivers who can be positioned at the front door to screen clients or employees at point of entry. Screeners are fully protected and armed with a list of questions and a digital thermometer. Alyssa has also adjusted her staffing support services for retirement and long-term care homes to fit current protocols. For details, visit comfortkeepers.ca/Peterborough.

Community Futures Peterborough just announced the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund which provides interest-free loans to help support fixed operating costs of local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Main street businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores are the target, with loans up to $40,000. For details, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca.

Congratulations to everyone involved the recent CovAID Fundraising event. If you missed it, you can still watch it here. The virtual event featured lots of local musicians. Funds raised will flow through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund—established by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and United Way Peterborough & District—to charities providing mental health supports in our community. For details or to donate, click here.

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce launched the call for nominations for their annual Business Excellence Awards last week. If you’ve been longing for the good old days, say anything before March, the Excellence awards are a good way to think back to all of the accomplishments over the last year, in your business, or a business that you admire. There are 20 award categories, details are at excellencepeterborough.ca.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Real Ryder Bikes, Cahills Outerwear & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Erin Marshall is a well-known local business woman, one of the partners at Full Tilt Cycle. The “Tilt” in Full Tilt is the fact that they use Real Ryder indoor cycling bikes that provide a realistic riding experience with an articulating bike frame. Erin is now the licensed distributor of Real Ryder bikes in Canada and has launched Real Ryder Canada. You can now purchase your own Real Ryder bike for your home gym, and you can get virtual classes from Full Tilt Cycle! Details are at realrydercanada.ca.

Erin Marshall

Peter and Elyn Green started Greenhouse on the River 32 years ago. They have decided that this year is their last year. They, like everyone else, are safely providing their products and services as the restrictions are slowly eased, and they look forward to their final season. Congratulations to Peter and Elyn on a great run!

Cahills Outerwear, the iconic store on Hunter Street, recently started producing washable/reusable non-medical ​Face Masks and Scrub Caps for the Peterborough Health Care community. They are available for purchase by anyone from individuals to businesses looking to outfit their staff. The best part is that for every mask sold, Cahills will donate one to health care! You can even make a donation in your name or your business name in exchange for a tax receipt. Owners Margie and Jamie Cahill are also excited to welcome middle son Rob Cahill back into the family business. Welcome home Rob! Cahills.ca for more information.

Card the Yard is a new business started by Lisa Porter and Kirtus Evoy. It’s a great way to help residents celebrate special occasions such as a birthday, anniversary, retirement, graduation or newborn announcement You just book online or by phone and Card the Yard will pepper your yard with a special surprise greeting for your special celebration. They can customize to any celebration. Covering Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland, details are available at cardtheyard.ca.

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Bring Back The Drive-In

There aren’t many signs of the Mustang Drive-in that exist today. The berms are still there for the cars to park on, and the roads still exist, but that’s about it.

Maybe it’s one part nostalgia, and one part perfect timing, but we’d love to see the Mustang Drive-In return.

What better time than during physical distancing to enjoy movies from the comfort of your own vehicle? Unfortunately, the drive-in closed back in 2012, the structures have since been demolished and now the land sits vacant. (Here is a post we did from a woman whose father managed it back in the day.)

Would you enjoy going to the drive-in or did you have fond memories of going? Thankfully we still have two semi-local Drive-ins that are considering opening this year: the Lindsay Drive-In and the Port Hope Drive-In.

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UPDATE

One of our readers was kind enough to dig some photos out of his archives to share with us…

“Back in the day, Peterborough had TWO drive-ins for us to choose from... 

The Mustang, and up on the Lakefield highway where Giant Tiger now stands was the Peterboro Drive-in.

Here’s also a photo of my ‘66 Impala parked on a hump at the Mustang Drive-In site.”

- Frank B.

“It would be the ultimate in nostalgia to go to the drive-in in my ‘66 Chevy Impala... second only to going up to Armour Hill in my ‘66 Impala... accompanied in either case, of course, with a fine companion. - Frank B.”

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

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BE Catering Is Shutting Down Storefront Location, Read The Heartfelt Letter From Its Owner

UPDATE: To be clear, they’re only losing their storefront location but are still a catering company with the ability to serve all.

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The popular BE Catering storefront location (located at Charlotte and Park) has become a casualty of the economic crisis we’re in. Read the heartfelt letter posted to their Facebook page below from its owner Bonnie Kubica….

“This is a letter to let all of you know what’s been happening over on our corner of Charlotte and Park Streets. For the past six weeks, we have made so many soups, casseroles, lasagnes and curries, with the help of our wonderful cooks and staff. Thank you so much for your support of us and our local community, it is greatly, greatly appreciated! We are sad to announce that we will be leaving our facilities at the end of this month.

It warms my heart to think of everyone who has come through our doors, people we have gotten to know so well, some of you we got to see on a daily basis. We will remember fondly all of our in house bistro dinners, parties with live bands, Christmas get togethers and the celebrations with our food and drinks.

Bonnie Kubica at far left with team (picture via BE Catering Facebook page)

We will remember fondly all of the coffees (Americanos!) served, the muffins and scones, the BLT’s, ALT’s, soups, focaccia, and salads, lunches, breakfasts......

Our lease is up at the end of the month and we were unable to come to an agreement with the landlord, after 8 months of negotiations. They originally wanted to raise our rent by 87%. We tried to come to an interim agreement when the pandemic hit, but to no avail. We made the decision to store our equipment and tools, and will be moving out of our beloved kitchens at the end of this month.

This was a very difficult decision to make in a very turbulent and trying time for everyone. I have had a professional kitchen since BE Catering began in 1998, almost 22 years. I will miss my sunny mornings and afternoons looking out my big kitchen window, chatting with fellow cooks, making food. We did a lot of good, hard work. I know this decision for us is the right one.

Picture via BE Catering Facebook page

The core component of our business is catering for large gatherings of people, namely, weddings, parties and conferences. Since large events are not allowed to happen for the foreseeable future, this means that over 90% of our business has disappeared for 2020. If you have booked a party with us, or a wedding for this year, and hope to reschedule if we are allowed to congregate at a later date, I do have ability to work out of professional kitchens, so don’t fret.

We’re not going anywhere, just going dormant for a little while, while we take some time and space to figure out what catering, our true profession, will look like in the future. We hope that we can have smaller get togethers to celebrate being together, as we all so desperately crave at the moment. And we will be there to cook and serve wonderful handmade local food for you, with the same heart and honesty we have always strove to provide.

Picture via BE Catering Facebook page

Finally, I want to thank Simon, my partner in life and with the business, who has been by my side to support my decision, whatever that may be. I also want to thank my amazing staff who have helped us get through the past few months, we couldn’t have done this without you. And to all of my past cooks and dishwashers and servers and managers who have come and gone, but still remain friends forever, we have an amazing industry that we live and work for. It will come back, it will be different, but I do truly believe that we will all be better for it.

We wish you well.

Yours Truly,
Bonnie”

Read the comments pouring in on their Facebook page here.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Canoe Co. Café, The Log Cabin Store & Snack Bar, & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

The Log Cabin Store and Snack Bar has new owners. The iconic store, better known to many as Mrs Reid’s store, is located on County Road 6 at the far end of Stoney Lake. The new owners are the husband and wife team of Kevin Huckell and Toni Emerson. They are busy with a significant renovation of the property and hope to be up and running with the gas pumps soon, followed by the convenience store as well as a coffee bar and kitchen with some home cooked meals. The store was started by Bud Bedore, and now Marylin Reid is enjoying a well-earned rest after running the store for decades.

Euphoria Wellness Spa has just completed the rebranding of their Starbucks and Gelato Café. Called Canoe Co. Café, the new name pays tribute to the fact that the building was the former home of the Peterborough Canoe Company, founded in 1892—manufacturing wooden canoes from the corner of King and Water Streets until 1961. The space has been renovated, and while they can’t welcome you inside just yet, they are getting ready to open a walk-up/take-out window soon. Owner Simone Dobson wanted to thank Amy Leclair Graphic Design for the new logo and Commercial Press for the new sign.

Local company OptiSolve is in the news again. OptiSolve developed a proprietary surface imaging technology that can produce high quality images that reveal where pathogens remain before and after cleaning. Think about the germs on your keyboard, door handles, your television remote control, your cellphone… This ground-breaking technology was recently written up in a four-page article in the Canadian Journal of Infection Control, considered the most credible journal on the topic. For details, visit optisolve.net.

The Staffing Connection and Level A Professional Group are joining forces to honor local frontline workers. Beginning May 11th, you can visit their websites and Facebook pages to nominate and tell a brief story about frontline workers who have displayed extraordinary bravery, response and compassion during the Covid-19 crisis. Each week for four consecutive weeks, six frontline workers will each receive a $100 gift card redeemable at any downtown Peterborough business. At the end of the four weeks, one local hero will be awarded $1500 in VISA gift cards. Check it out at thestaffingconnection.ca or levela.net, or find them on Facebook.  

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Support Downtown Businesses By Purchasing Gift Cards

Many downtown business owners are struggling badly right now and need the support of the community more than ever. 

One of the biggest challenges faced by local businesses is the expenses don’t stop when the lights are turned off and the door is locked. One thing people can do to support them is buy gift cards and certificates now and spend them later when they reopen. This allows the businesses to have some cashflow to help cover current expenses.

Lisa Dixon, Owner of Black Honey on Hunter Street West

With that in mind, The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area has launched a website supportdowntownptbo.ca where you can buy gift cards and certificates from downtown businesses. Gift cards and certificates will be mailed (or emailed if electronic) to shoppers.

Visit supportdowntownptbo.ca and support your favourite downtown businesses!

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Watson & Lou, 100 Kids & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Thomas Elmourne recently launched his own company. Called LT Contracting and Services, Thomas specializes in repairs, renovations or installations of bathrooms, tile work, kitchens, drywall, painting, as well as building maintenance and cleaning. Thomas brings over 20 years of broad experience and covers Peterborough City and County. Call 705-772-1197.

100 Kids Peterborough was launched last week. The organization mirrors the 100 Women and 100 Men organizations, who both do great work supporting local charities and not for profits. Organizer Faith Dickenson and her advisory team want to build future leaders in the community by engaging young people between the ages of 5 and 13 in philanthropy. Check it out online at 100kidspeterborough.ca.

Watson and Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt recently introduced a cool new concept called an Economic Nutrition Label. Modelled after the typical nutrition label you’ll find on food packaging, the Economic Nutrition Label breaks down where the money goes when you buy something at their downtown store. It’s a great idea, that demonstrates the importance of buying locally… LoveLocalPtbo! Check it out at 383 Water Street or watsonandlou.com.

And congratulations to Seana Collins Mander and Marie Claire Ruttan, the owners of RMT Ptbo. Formerly 360 Wellness, the new location of the business is 150 Lansdowne Street, inside Fandango, across from TSC. They focus on expert, effective registered massage therapy care, through a clinical approach. They can also direct bill their clients and you can book your appointment online. Rmtptbo.ca

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Buttertart Factory, Head 2 Toe Footwear & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Head 2 Toe Footwear repair is Melissa and Chris Allan’s new business. Located in the lower level of Peterborough Square, some might remember Chris from his years as Allan Shoe Repair. Services include repairs to shoes, boots, high heels, men’s dress shoes and work boots, as well as Velcro repairs, replacing elastics, buckles and building lifts. From Birkenstock’s to bowling shoes, Chris and Melissa can handle it. Open Tuesday through Saturday, call 705-874-2939.

Congratulations to Cathy Smith, who is putting the finishing touches on the new location of the Kawartha Buttertart Factory. Originally in Warsaw, the new location is 713 County Road 4, which is commonly known as the Warsaw Road, at the corner of Highway 28. Cathy and her team specialize in award-winning butter tarts, apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, pies, squares and sweet loaves, as well as grab and go sandwiches, pizza wraps and Sausage Rolls! Cathy is very grateful for all of the local trades who helped her prepare the new location and move and install all of the equipment.

The owners of a new building are Dave Conroy and Sean Harris, who wanted a home and showroom for their business – The Little Building Company. Dave and Sean specialize in high quality, custom designed cabins, bunkies, saunas, decks, docks, additions and renovations. The new building employs a long list of energy efficient, low-carbon feature, a special focus of the Little Building Company. Dave and Sean have even built a stand-alone cabin next door to showcase some of their techniques. Go to littlebuildingcompany.ca for more.

Congratulations to Garnet Northey and the staff at Spotlight Home and Lifestyle on capturing the Best of Houzz award for customer service. Check out spotlighthomeandlifestyle.com for details.

Congratulations to Kerri Rogers and crew at Restwell Upholstering on their 75th anniversary this year! Watch for lots of discounts, promotions and draw prizes every month!! Go to restwellupholstery.ca for more.

And don’t forget the Future Ready Business Summit is this Wednesday, a great morning of better business fundamentals. Register today at peterboroughchamber.ca.

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$1.2 Million Announced For 26 Local Businesses To Innovate, Expand & Create Jobs

On Thursday (March 6th) at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough, Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that 26 local businesses will benefit from an investment of nearly $1.2 million from the federal government through the Rural Innovation Initiative of Eastern Ontario (RIIEO).

Seven Peterborough-based manufacturers will receive up to $700,000 through the RIIEO Regional Stream, matched by $1,905,701 in incremental private investment. An additional $450,000 will go towards 19 local businesses operating in the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough under RIIEO’s Local Stream, and be administered by Community Futures Peterborough.

Photo from announcement via Community Futures on Facebook

RIIEO supports local, innovative projects with a goal of supporting the transition and growth of traditional small and medium sized businesses and manufacturers to expand their business growth and adopt advanced, innovative business processes.

Recognizing the vital role rural communities play in the region’s economy, FedDev Ontario collaborates with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Eastern Ontario to support the transition and growth of new and existing businesses into the new rural economy.

Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough speaking at announcement (photo via Community Futures on Facebook)

This RIIEO program investment contributes to an estimated 93 jobs being created and 391 jobs being maintained within the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough.

“This stream of funding has allowed local businesses to think boldly about their future and how to implement innovative measures to grow and protect jobs in the future,” says Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough. “We are thrilled with the quality of exciting projects and innovation taking place in our community.”

“Through smart investments that support our rural innovators and entrepreneurs, we strengthen the local economy and create jobs,” adds Maryam Monsef. “Our government is pleased to work with Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Community Futures Peterborough to ensure our local businesses have the tools they need to develop and reach new markets.”

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